Tombs of the Emperors - one of the most popular, must-see spots in Hue
Last Update: 24th October 2020
Tombs of the Emperors are situated on the hills at either side of Perfume River in the west of Hue. There are 6 tombs of the emperors there. They are Tomb of Gia Long, Tomb of Minh Mang, Tomb of Thieu Tri, Tomb of Tu Duc, Tomb of Dong Khanh and Tomb of Khai Dinh. Each of them features different style from one another.
Tombs of the Emperors Fast Facts
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What to expect at the Tombs of the Emperors
Acclaimed as the most exquisite one, Tomb of Khai Dinh is a fusion of Eastern and Western styles. It features many colored murals inlaid with ceramics. The construction took 11 years. The stone steps are guarded by four stone dragons from the top to the bottom. The resting place of Khai Dinh looks like an European castle. The dominant color is greyish white. You’ll see stone horses, elephants and officials on both sides of the platform. The highest platform is Qicheng Palace which is decorated with ceramic mosaic art. The copper statue of Khai Dinh is in the same size of the real one. In addition, you’ll see the furniture, ceramics, watches and other articles of daily use by the emperor.
Tomb of Gia Long faces 36 rolling hills. In the area, ornamental columns erect. In front of the Hall of Worship stand the stone statues of civil officials, military commanders, stone carvings and stone beasts on both sides. Behind the hall is the resting place of Gia Long Emperor. You’ll find stone dragon reliefs there.
Tomb of Minh Mang can be said to be the most complete and beautiful one. The tomb was built in accordance with the layout of Ming Tombs of China. However, it also has the Vietnamese style. The tomb is comprised of palaces, pavilions, and towers. Some of the windows are carved with Buddhist text. The number of buildings in the are is not big. And all of the buildings are surrounded by trees. The Crescent Lake there makes the tomb a park to some extent.
Tomb of Thieu Tri is the only tomb facing the northwest. When the Thieu Tri was dying, he ordered Tu Duc Emperor not to build a large tomb for him. The tomb may be the most damaged due to being restored for long.
Tomb of Tu Duc is one of the most stunning structures during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1883). It is set in a basin. It has 50 buildings in the area. There is the Chinese character of “谦” in the name of each building. In the middle is Liangqian Palace where Tu Duc Emperor handled government affairs. Mingqian Hall is one of the oldest theater in Vietnam. You’ll also find stone statues of officials there. Waterside pavilions, bridges, and other buildings. The Chinese characters on the stele tells the life of Tu Duc Emperor.
Tomb of Dong Khanh is the smallest imperial tomb in Hue.
Tomb of Gia Long faces 36 rolling hills. In the area, ornamental columns erect. In front of the Hall of Worship stand the stone statues of civil officials, military commanders, stone carvings and stone beasts on both sides. Behind the hall is the resting place of Gia Long Emperor. You’ll find stone dragon reliefs there.
Tomb of Minh Mang can be said to be the most complete and beautiful one. The tomb was built in accordance with the layout of Ming Tombs of China. However, it also has the Vietnamese style. The tomb is comprised of palaces, pavilions, and towers. Some of the windows are carved with Buddhist text. The number of buildings in the are is not big. And all of the buildings are surrounded by trees. The Crescent Lake there makes the tomb a park to some extent.
Tomb of Thieu Tri is the only tomb facing the northwest. When the Thieu Tri was dying, he ordered Tu Duc Emperor not to build a large tomb for him. The tomb may be the most damaged due to being restored for long.
Tomb of Tu Duc is one of the most stunning structures during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1883). It is set in a basin. It has 50 buildings in the area. There is the Chinese character of “谦” in the name of each building. In the middle is Liangqian Palace where Tu Duc Emperor handled government affairs. Mingqian Hall is one of the oldest theater in Vietnam. You’ll also find stone statues of officials there. Waterside pavilions, bridges, and other buildings. The Chinese characters on the stele tells the life of Tu Duc Emperor.
Tomb of Dong Khanh is the smallest imperial tomb in Hue.
Best time to visit the Tombs of the Emperors
The best time to visit the Tombs of the Emperors is in the morning.
You could visit the tombs around the year.
You could visit the tombs around the year.
How to get to the Tombs of the Emperors
There is no direct bus from Hue to the tombs. You could rent a vehicle to the ones you are interested to visit.
Additional Tombs of the Emperors Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30
- As at 24th October 2020, the entrance pricing to Tomb of Khai Dinh is 100,000 VND per person; the entrance pricing to Tomb of Minh Mang is 100,000 VND per person; the entrance pricing to Tomb of Tu Duc is 100,000 VND per person; the entrance pricing to Tomb of Gia Long is 100,000 VND per person; the entrance pricing to Tomb of Thieu Tri is 40,000 VND per person; the entrance pricing to Tomb of Dong Khanh is 22,000 VND per person. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please don’t wear shorts, short skirt or dress, slippery there.
- Please wear sunscreen cream with you if you are planning to visit it in the late morning.
Interested in visiting the Tombs of the Emperors on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Tombs of the Emperors among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.